MeiLanfang (1894-1961) is regarded as one of the Four Great Female Impersonators in the history of the Peking Opera, an art form little understood and not widely appreciated outside of China and Chinese communities abroad. Mei’s skill enabled him Lo perform women’s roles more convincingly than any woman, so say the experts.
The courtyard house Mei lived in during his last days is open to the public as a shrine at number 9, Huguosi Jie in the western district. Mei’s studio contains many of his personal possessions, and there are video tapes of the great diva’s performances to watch.
But unlike the other ‘former residences’ open to the public in Beijing, Mei’s home can be enjoyed for its architecture alone.
